Thousands of studies have examined the benefits of outdoor exposure.
“95% of people say their mood improves after spending time outside, changing from depressed, stressed and anxious to more calm and balanced.” – Mind
Mental State
Researchers noted that people who had recently experienced stressful life events like a serious illness, death of a loved one, or unemployment had the greatest mental boost from a group nature outing. “Nature can have a powerful effect on our mental state,” says Dr. Strauss, “and there are many ways to tap into it.”
5 Ways to Wellbeing
The 5 ways to wellbeing were developed by the New Economics Foundation as a set of evidence-based public mental health messages aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of the whole population. Trying these could help you feel more positive and help you get the most out of life. This approach is endorsed by the NHS and MIND mental health charity.
Physical State
Our results provided direct evidence that forest bathing has therapeutic effects on human hypertension and induces inhibition of the renin–angiotensin system and inflammation, and thus inspiring its preventive efficacy against cardiovascular disorders.
Biodiversity
Every day we depend on biodiversity (the sheer variety of life found on Earth) to keep us alive and healthy. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods we eat and the medications we take are all by-products of a healthy planet. When we damage the Earth, we damage our own health. Human beings are as susceptible as any other species.
Productivity
Gazing at Nature Makes You More Productive. Just a 40 second break of gazing at nature can increase concentration by 6%. Taking longer breaks, especially when coupled with exercise like walking or running can produce dramatic benefits.
Altruism
Korean researchers used functional MRI to watch brain activity in people viewing different images. When the volunteers were looking at urban scenes, their brains showed more blood flow in the amygdala, which processes fear and anxiety. In contrast, the natural scenes lit up the anterior cingulate and the insula—areas associated with empathy and altruism.
But why does being in Nature feel so good?
It is in our DNA
We have already spent more than 99.99% of our evolutionary history in natural environments, it is thought that we are essentially adaptive to nature.
It keeps us Healthy
Several studies have shown that being in nature is good for both your mental and physical health. It can boost your immune-system, lower your blood pressure, reduce anxiety and make you feel more relaxed and calm. On the other side, being in a city with lots of buildings and loud noises, can have negative effects on your mental and physical health.
It helps us focus on the Positive
When you focus on something pleasant – like a tree, a flower on your desk or the sound of birds – you distract your mind from negative thoughts, so your mind becomes less filled with worries.